Events & Programs

VIGIL, RALLY DEMANDS END TO GUN VIOLENCE

The community vigil and rally, which is open to the public, is in response to the murders of 17 students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

ST. PETERSBURG – Six groups of civic activists have scheduled a community vigil and rally Saturday (Feb. 17) to call for an end to gun violence in the wake of the killing of 17 high school students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

“It’s time for real action to prevent the daily ravage of gun violence and the all-too-regular occurrence of gun massacres in our schools, communities and workplaces. We want action, not empty rhetoric,” according to the press release announcing the event. “We will come together as a community to stand with the victims and their families of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.”

The group explains: “Early in the event, advocacy groups will offer opportunities to take actions on the spot in support of change. This will be followed by a vigil. We invite you to bring flowers, cards, and signs to stand in solidarity with the victims of senseless gun violence across the country. After the vigil, we will move into a press conference and rally where we will make strong demands that state and federal legislators take substantive policy action.

“The people have had enough of expansive gun legislation, empty words of sympathy, promises for reform, and inaction. Protecting our community and our children is a value we all share. Stand with us on Saturday.”